MODELLING OF SOME DWELLING INTERNAL MICROCLIMATES

Abstract The microclimates of dust mite microhabitats in the base of carpets and in bedding are modelled analytically. The non-dimensional parameters characterising these systems are identified and analytical solutions are presented using these non-dimensionless groups. These results are compared to experimental results derived using a recently developed very small relative humidity sensor. With this sensor it has been possible to distinguish between temperatures and humidities in microenvironments separated only by millimetres, e.g. microclimates in the base and the top of a carpet, or microclimates above and below a sheet in a bed. Despite linearity assumptions and other simplifications, good agreement is found between experimental and theoretical results.